Porsche Sells Bugatti, US Bans Chinese Cars, Trouble At Stellantis And More! THIS CAR POD EP109!
About this episode
Porsche’s Bugatti stake sale and a proposed U.S. ban on Chinese cars kick off a wide-ranging conversation about auto industry pressure, policy, and global competition. The hosts also dig into Stellantis’s brand priorities, Ford’s Shelby licensing decision, and a Ram transmission lawsuit. Later, the tone turns more personal with car wish lists, concours impressions, replica builds, and reflections on what makes older performance cars feel special.
Porsche Sells Bugatti, US Bans Chinese Cars, Trouble At Stellantis And More! THIS CAR POD EP109!
"[325.2s] We don't know. [325.7s] Volkswagen had the money..."
This is the episode’s headline list of what they’re talking about. Think of it like a roadmap for the main news segments.
This episode title indicates the show’s discussion topics, including the Bugatti ownership story and other automotive news items. It’s useful as a chapter-style marker for listeners tracking what the hosts cover.
divesting
"[32.6s] Porsche is divesting. You heard about this? [36.1s] This is a big story. Porsche has had some financial troubles."
Divesting means selling something you own—like a business or brand. Porsche is doing this to bring in money.
Divesting means selling off an asset or business unit to reduce risk or raise funds. Here, the hosts use it to describe Porsche selling part of its Bugatti-related holdings.
private equity
"[43.3s] They decided to sell their steak in Bugatti to private equity. [47.8s] You don't have any thoughts on this?"
Private equity is a type of investor group that puts money into companies. They may buy a business and try to make it more profitable before selling later.
Private equity refers to investment firms that buy companies or major stakes, often with the goal of improving performance and later selling for a profit. In this segment, Porsche is described as selling Bugatti to private equity to raise cash.
operating profits
"[49.7s] They're just for context on them as a whole. Operating profits in Q1 were down 22% a year. [54.9s] They do maybe need some cash."
Operating profit is basically how much money a company makes from running its main business, after paying the usual day-to-day costs. The hosts say Porsche’s operating profit has been falling.
Operating profit is the money a company makes from its core business operations after operating costs, but before interest and taxes. The hosts cite operating profits dropping year-over-year as evidence of Porsche’s financial strain.
Q1
"[49.7s] They're just for context on them as a whole. Operating profits in Q1 were down 22% a year. [54.9s] They do maybe need some cash."
Q1 is just the first three months of the year. The hosts are talking about how Porsche did financially in that early part of the year.
Q1 means the first quarter of the year (January through March). The hosts use it to describe Porsche’s operating profit performance during that specific time window.
expenses
"[68.7s] To be fair, their expenses must be unbelievable. [72.4s] Revenue was like this, and expenses were like this."
Expenses are the costs of running the business—what the company has to pay out. The hosts are saying Porsche’s costs are likely very high.
Expenses are the costs a company pays to run its business, such as manufacturing, labor, and overhead. The hosts suggest Porsche’s expenses are extremely high, contributing to financial trouble.
revenue
"[68.7s] To be fair, their expenses must be unbelievable. [72.4s] Revenue was like this, and expenses were like this."
Revenue is the money a company earns from sales. The hosts are comparing revenue to expenses to show whether the business is making or losing money.
Revenue is the total amount of money a company brings in from selling goods or services. The hosts contrast revenue and expenses to explain why Porsche’s financial picture worsened.
Rimac
"They sold their steak in Bugatti and Rimac, which is like the same. ... there was a joint venture of Bugatti and Rimac. ... The Rimac screw bones, a 55% stake."
Rimac is a company that builds electric-performance technology and cars. In this segment, they’re talking about Rimac’s partnership with Bugatti and how much of the venture Rimac owns.
Rimac is an automotive technology company known for electric performance and high-end EV platforms. The hosts mention it in the context of a joint venture with Bugatti and discuss the ownership split between the partners.
joint venture
"A few years ago, there was a joint venture of Bugatti and Rimac. ... But you still have to understand the joint venture. ... JV, come on."
A joint venture is basically a partnership where two companies work together on the same project. They share ownership and decisions, so the “who owns what” part can be important.
A joint venture (JV) is when two or more companies team up to create a new business or project together, sharing control, risk, and profits. In this segment, the hosts are trying to explain the Bugatti–Rimac JV structure and why the ownership details matter.
HOF capital
"I don't know, but HOF capital, Hoff capital, very proud of Bugatti. It's up there in their list of portfolio companies now. ... They own a 45% stake."
HOF Capital is mentioned as an investor/owner involved with Bugatti’s current ownership. They say it owns 45%, meaning it has a significant share in the business.
HOF Capital is referenced as a portfolio-company owner in the discussion of Bugatti’s current ownership structure. The hosts also mention it holds a 45% stake, indicating it’s one of the equity holders in the venture’s ownership breakdown.
Volkswagen lineup
"So the Volkswagen lineup went, this is sad, because the Volkswagen lineup went from the very lowest tier company, Skoda, all the way up."
They’re talking about Volkswagen Group’s set of car brands and how they range from cheaper models to the most expensive, fancy ones. Think of it like a company that owns many different “levels” of cars.
The speaker is talking about the Volkswagen Group’s brand ladder—how different brands sit at different price and prestige levels within the same corporate family. It’s a way of describing how the group covers everything from budget-focused cars to ultra-luxury exotics.
Skoda
"because the Volkswagen lineup went from the very lowest tier company, Skoda, all the way up."
Skoda is one of the car brands owned by the Volkswagen Group. Here it’s mentioned as the more budget-friendly end of the group’s brand lineup.
Skoda is a Volkswagen Group brand positioned toward the lower end of the group’s lineup. In this segment, it’s used as the “bottom tier” example in the speaker’s brand hierarchy from mainstream to luxury.
Lamborghini
"They had Lamborghini. You could go Lamborghini, Bentley, the whole, there was this whole gamut."
Lamborghini makes high-end supercars. The hosts are using it as an example of the most prestigious brands in the Volkswagen Group’s lineup.
Lamborghini is an Italian supercar brand that the speaker lists as part of the Volkswagen Group’s higher-end lineup. They also call it the “pinnacle brand” at the end of the segment, emphasizing its top-tier status in their view.
Bentley
"You could go Lamborghini, Bentley, the whole, there was this whole gamut."
Bentley is a luxury car brand. They mention it as one of the upscale brands in the same group of companies.
Bentley is a luxury car brand often associated with high-end grand touring and upscale interiors. In this segment it’s mentioned as part of the “gamut” of brands spanning from supercars to luxury cars within the same corporate umbrella.
Opel
"And wait, they have Opel, right? No. So I said that's Opel."
Opel is a car brand from Europe. Here it’s brought up because the speaker is trying to remember whether it’s part of the lineup they’re talking about.
Opel is a European mass-market brand that the speaker brings up while discussing which brands were (or weren’t) part of the lineup. The back-and-forth suggests they’re correcting themselves about whether Opel still exists in the context they’re describing.
Volkswagen Passat
"Plus, they can't share. I mean, remember, the Veyron had a Passat key fob."
The Volkswagen Passat is a regular, everyday kind of car. They mention it because the Veyron’s key fob was reportedly shared with the Passat, which is a surprising cost-saving detail.
The Volkswagen Passat is a mainstream family sedan. In this segment, it’s mentioned because the Bugatti Veyron reportedly used a Passat key fob, highlighting how some components can be shared across very different vehicle tiers.
key fob
"Plus, they can't share. I mean, remember, the Veyron had a Passat key fob."
A key fob is the little remote you use to lock and unlock your car, and sometimes to start it. Here it’s mentioned to show that even a supercar can use shared, off-the-shelf components.
A key fob is the small remote used to lock/unlock a car and often to start it with a button. The hosts use the key fob as an example of parts sharing between a supercar (Veyron) and a mainstream Volkswagen model (Passat).
Koenigsegg
"[255.1s] And the cool thing about Bugatti, [256.7s] the cool thing about Koenigsegg was that you can meet the guy. [259.0s] The cool thing about Bugatti was that it was developed"
Koenigsegg is a company that makes very extreme, high-performance supercars. The hosts are talking about how accessible the people behind the brand can be.
Koenigsegg is a Swedish hypercar brand known for engineering-focused cars and high-performance powertrains. The hosts mention it in the context of being able to meet the founder, which is part of the brand’s public persona.
Rehmats
"[262.4s] But if we're honest... [263.8s] I feel like in 2021, when the joint venture with Rehmats [267.2s] was created and like ownership went to Porsche [269.5s] for a portion of it."
Rehmats is mentioned as a business partner in a deal that affected who owns part of Bugatti. The hosts are saying that ownership changes can shift how the brand operates.
Rehmats (as referenced in the segment) is described as a partner in a joint venture involving Bugatti’s ownership structure. The discussion is about how ownership split between Porsche and Rehmats changed the brand’s “fundamental” situation.
Porsche brand
"...with the like expertise that we as the Porsche brand that Volkswagen have in building cars."
Porsche is a well-known sports-car brand. In this discussion, they’re saying Porsche would bring experience in building cars as part of a larger partnership.
Porsche is the sports-car brand referenced here as bringing its “expertise” in building cars. The hosts are describing a joint-venture idea where one side contributes EV-era technology while Porsche contributes manufacturing know-how.
Veyron
"Any desire I had to have a Veyron, which was actually some desire... definitely have kicked it around. I have less desire today."
The Bugatti Veyron is a very expensive, ultra-fast supercar. They’re saying that if there’s less support for cars like this, it makes the idea of owning one less appealing.
The Bugatti Veyron is a flagship hypercar known for extreme performance and high-end engineering. The hosts are reacting to how changes in ownership/support can affect the appeal of owning or maintaining a car like the Veyron.
keep stuff around
"Volkswagen had the money to spend to keep stuff around [330.1s] for the Veyron."
They mean keeping the resources needed to support the car for years. That usually includes having replacement parts and the ability to service the car properly.
In this context, “keep stuff around” means maintaining long-term support for a specific car program—typically parts availability, service tooling, and technical documentation. For rare halo cars like Bugatti models, that kind of ongoing support can be expensive and depends on the brand’s backing.
Lotus Elise
"What is Romano Artioli's legacy? The Lotus Elise. The name for the Lotus Elise. His granddaughter. He owned Lotus and named the Lotus Elise after his granddaughter."
The Lotus Elise is a small, sporty car made by Lotus. The hosts say Artioli owned Lotus and chose the name “Elise” for it.
The Lotus Elise is a lightweight, performance-focused sports car from Lotus. In the segment, Romano Artioli is credited with owning Lotus and naming the Elise after his granddaughter.
Wall Street Journal
"I go to the front page of the Wall Street Journal and there's an article about Chinese cars."
They mention the Wall Street Journal, which is a well-known business newspaper. The point here is that the car topic was covered in a mainstream news story.
The Wall Street Journal is a major U.S. business news publication. In the segment, it’s referenced as the outlet that ran an article about Chinese cars and where the speaker was interviewed.
ban Chinese cars
"Some of the Democrats, those are the people in the Congress have introduced the most ridiculous bill where they want to ban Chinese cars, not only from the U.S., where they're essentially already banned..."
They’re talking about a proposed law that would stop Chinese cars from coming into the U.S. That would limit what car brands you can buy, because the cars wouldn’t be allowed to enter the country.
The hosts are discussing proposed legislation that would restrict or prohibit Chinese-made vehicles from entering the United States. This is a trade-and-supply-chain policy move, not a technical car issue, and it would affect which brands and models can be imported and sold.
Kia Rio
"Okay, you're in a Kia Rio. You're good. You can go over."
The Kia Rio is a small, everyday car made by Kia. Here it’s just an example of the kind of car a tourist might be driving at the border.
The Kia Rio is a compact subcompact car sold globally by Kia. In this segment it’s used as an example of a car someone might be driving when crossing into the U.S.
tariffs
"So right now, Chinese cars, if they are broadly not allowed in the U.S. and face very steep tariffs, if they do come."
Tariffs are extra taxes added when something is brought into a country. If the U.S. adds big tariffs to imported Chinese cars, the cars usually cost more for buyers.
Tariffs are taxes the government charges on imported goods. In the context of Chinese cars, steep tariffs would make those vehicles more expensive to bring into the U.S., affecting pricing and availability.
G-Class Gwagon
"[601.1s] Sean's G-Wagon, actually. [602.6s] And I told the, at the end of the interview, I told Ryan Feltner and wrote the story."
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is a luxury SUV that’s famous for being tough and off-road capable. Here, they’re just saying Sean was driving one during the interview.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon (often called the G-Class) is a boxy, off-road-capable luxury SUV known for its rugged ladder-frame design and distinctive styling. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a specific car being driven during the interview.
Volvo S90
"[614.5s] By the way, I do feel for the people that drive Buick Invisions or the Long Wheelbase S90. [619.2s] Yeah, what about that?"
The “Long Wheelbase S90” is a Volvo S90 sedan with extra space between the front and rear seats. They’re bringing it up as an example of a car people might not be able to bring across the border anymore.
The “Long Wheelbase S90” refers to the extended-wheelbase version of the Volvo S90 luxury sedan. A longer wheelbase generally means more rear-seat space, and it’s mentioned here as a specific example of a car potentially affected by the border/ban situation.
Tesla
"[632.6s] And presumably some number of Teslas that were built in China and sold in Canada, [636.3s] which was allowed, they've come over the border."
Tesla is the electric-car brand they’re talking about. They’re saying some Teslas made in China were sold in Canada and may have crossed the border.
Tesla is the electric-vehicle brand being referenced in the context of cars built in China and sold in Canada, then crossing the border. The discussion is about supply chains and how vehicles move between countries under the policy.
Polestar 2
"Jamie Raskin, we gotta ban the Polestar 2. Don't worry, though."
The Polestar 2 is an electric car (an EV) made by Polestar. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a specific example of a car the hosts are talking about in relation to a proposed ban.
The Polestar 2 is an electric sedan from the Polestar brand. It’s often discussed in the context of EV competition and import/export policy because it’s sold in multiple markets.
Bob Lutz
"Can I read a quote from Bob Lutz? Because I sent this to you earlier, but I find it to be one of the best quotes I've got out here."
Bob Lutz is a famous person in the car industry—an executive who’s often quoted about cars and business. Here, the hosts bring him up to support a point with a quote.
Bob Lutz is a well-known automotive executive who has held leadership roles at major car companies and is frequently quoted in car-industry commentary. In this segment, he’s used as an authority for a story about buying a Chinese-made vehicle.
Buick Envision
"Bob Lutz purchased a Buick Envision. Because of the total silkiness and sweet refinement, he said, I thought, boy, if they know how to make Buicks like this in China..."
The Buick Envision is a Buick SUV—basically a crossover that’s meant to feel a bit more upscale than a regular family car. Here, they’re talking about it as a standout Buick compared with how people usually felt about Buicks.
The Buick Envision is a compact luxury crossover SUV made by Buick. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a “better” Buick that Bob Lutz bought, contrasted with how the Envision was perceived in the U.S. market.
2.4-liter four-cylinder
"It really stirs the soul. 180 horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and the cloth seats were pre-stained."
That phrase tells you what kind of engine the car has. It’s a 2.4-liter engine, and it uses four cylinders to make power.
“2.4-liter four-cylinder” describes an engine with a total displacement of 2.4 liters and four cylinders. It’s a common way to summarize engine size and layout, which affects how the engine makes power and how it feels in everyday driving.
180 horsepower
"It really stirs the soul. 180 horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and the cloth seats were pre-stained."
Horsepower is a number that describes how much power the engine can make. It’s one of the main stats people look at when comparing cars.
Horsepower is a measure of an engine’s power output—how strongly it can produce work over time. Higher horsepower generally helps with acceleration, though the car’s weight and gearing also matter a lot.
Chinese cars banned from America in theory
"Couldn't buy one. You couldn't find one. High demand. Anyway, Chinese cars banned from America in theory."
They’re talking about a possible U.S. rule that could stop Chinese-made cars from being sold here. The phrase “in theory” implies it’s more of a proposal or discussion than something already fully in effect.
This refers to a proposed or discussed policy that would restrict or ban Chinese-made vehicles from being sold in the U.S. The “in theory” wording suggests it’s not necessarily a fully implemented rule yet, but a political or regulatory idea being debated.
Great Wall Motors
"That's some Chinese company, Great Wall, Filippo's hero company. ... At the Beijing Auto Show, they revealed additional information about a platform ... about launching Great Wall Motors, GWM, named after, indeed, the Great Wall."
Great Wall Motors is a big car company from China. The hosts are talking about it possibly selling more cars in the U.S.
Great Wall Motors (GWM) is a major Chinese automaker best known for SUVs and trucks. In this segment, the hosts discuss the company’s potential plans to launch or expand in the United States.
MG
"My favorite is MG, because it's a heritage. Just like my Graham Pappies."
MG is a car brand with roots in the UK. The host likes it because it has a long history behind the name.
MG is a British automotive brand with a long history, and it’s also used by a modern Chinese-owned company for certain vehicles. Here, the host says MG is his favorite Chinese brand because of its heritage.
Beijing Auto Show
"All right. At the Beijing Auto Show, they revealed additional information about a platform that they actually talked about at CES."
The Beijing Auto Show is a big car event in China. Companies use it to announce new cars and new technology.
The Beijing Auto Show is a major international auto event in China where automakers reveal new models, platforms, and technology. The segment uses it as the context for new information about a platform.
CES
"At the Beijing Auto Show, they revealed additional information about a platform that they actually talked about at CES."
CES is a big technology conference where companies show off new tech. Car companies sometimes preview car-related technology there too.
CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is a large tech show in the U.S. where companies often preview automotive technology, especially electronics and software. The host says the platform was previously discussed at CES.
Byd Seal
"But don't forget about the BYD Seal and the Dolphin. [911.7s] That's true. [912.4s] They had a car called the Dolphin."
The BYD Seal is an electric car made by BYD. They’re bringing it up here as an example of the kinds of cars Chinese brands are selling.
BYD Seal is an electric sedan from BYD. In this segment, it’s mentioned alongside other Chinese EV models as part of the broader discussion about Chinese automakers expanding their lineup.
BYD Dolphin
"But don't forget about the BYD Seal and the Dolphin. [911.7s] That's true. [912.4s] They had a car called the Dolphin."
The BYD Dolphin is a small electric car made by BYD. They mention it as one of BYD’s EV models.
BYD Dolphin is a compact electric hatchback from BYD. The hosts mention it as another BYD model in the context of Chinese brands building out their EV offerings.
V8
"Regardless, they've announced that they're working on a V8, [917.6s] a four-liter turbocharged mid-engine V8, [920.2s] and a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis."
A V8 is a type of engine with eight cylinders. More cylinders usually means more potential power, and it’s often used in bigger or performance-oriented cars.
A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. The segment specifically frames it as a new direction for a Chinese automaker’s vehicles, including a turbocharged version.
turbocharged
"[917.6s] a four-liter turbocharged mid-engine V8, [920.2s] and a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. [922.7s] To take on Ferrari."
Turbocharged means the engine uses a device that compresses air before it goes into the cylinders. That helps the engine produce more power without needing a bigger engine.
Turbocharged means the engine uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders. That allows the engine to make more power from a smaller displacement, which is why the segment pairs “four-liter” with “turbocharged.”
carbon-fiber monocoque chassis
"[920.2s] and a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. [922.7s] To take on Ferrari. [924.2s] Yeah."
This means the car’s main structure is built from carbon fiber in one integrated shell. It’s designed to be strong but lighter than many traditional body structures.
A carbon-fiber monocoque chassis is a body structure where carbon-fiber panels form the main load-bearing “shell.” It’s used to reduce weight while maintaining stiffness, which can help performance and efficiency.
plug-in hybrids
"No. [933.2s] Ferrari's moved on to six-cylinder powertrains, plug-in hybrids. [936.1s] And the V12 SUV that they currently build."
Plug-in hybrids are cars that use both a gas engine and an electric motor. You can charge the battery by plugging the car in, so some driving can be done on electricity.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) use both an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor/battery. They can be charged from an external power source, typically allowing short trips to run on electricity alone.
V12 SUV
"[936.1s] And the V12 SUV that they currently build. [939.2s] Speaking of SUVs, [940.4s] Great Wall also said that this V8 is going to find its way into the tank,"
A V12 SUV is an SUV that uses a V12 engine. It’s a rare, high-end setup compared with most SUVs that use smaller engines.
A V12 SUV refers to an SUV model powered by a V12 engine, meaning twelve cylinders arranged in a V configuration. The segment uses it as an example of Ferrari’s current lineup direction.
Formula One
"and they're losing Formula One, [957.7s] unlike Cadillac, who wins."
Formula One is the highest level of major international race car competition. Saying someone is “losing Formula One” means they’re not doing as well in that top racing series.
Formula One (F1) is the top tier of international open-wheel motorsport, run by the FIA. When the hosts say Ferrari is “losing Formula One,” they’re referring to competitive results in that racing series.
Cadillac
"and they're losing Formula One, [957.7s] unlike Cadillac, who wins."
Cadillac is a luxury car brand from the United States. The hosts mention it as the opposite of Ferrari in terms of who’s doing better.
Cadillac is a US luxury brand within General Motors. In this segment, it’s mentioned in contrast to Ferrari regarding who is “winning,” implying brand performance or success in motorsport and/or market perception.
gasoline powertrain
"Now, why is a Chinese company developing a gasoline powertrain of any kind [969.0s] let alone a V8?"
A gasoline powertrain means the car is designed to run on regular gasoline. It includes the engine and the related systems that make the engine work.
A gasoline powertrain is the vehicle’s complete setup for using gasoline as the fuel—typically the engine plus the systems that deliver and manage that power. In the context of China, it contrasts with the shift toward electrification or other alternative powertrains.
dealer base
"we do expect that we'll be trying to establish a dealer base or production in the US in the coming years. There's certainly an outlook towards that."
A dealer base is the set of local car dealerships that sell the brand. Building one helps customers find the cars easily and get service afterward.
A dealer base is the network of dealerships a manufacturer uses to sell and service vehicles in a specific country. Establishing one is a common step for new entrants because it reduces friction for customers and supports after-sales support.
production in the US
"we do expect that we'll be trying to establish a dealer base or production in the US in the coming years. There's certainly an outlook towards that."
Producing cars in the US means building them locally instead of shipping them in. That can help with cost and pricing, and it can also help companies meet local rules.
“Production in the US” means manufacturing vehicles domestically rather than importing them. Automakers pursue local production to reduce costs, avoid tariffs or trade barriers, and qualify for incentives, which can make pricing more competitive.
price war
"Profits are massively declining because of a huge price war that is happening, driving prices down. BYD is one of the largest, has had quite horrible earnings in Q1."
A price war is when car companies keep lowering prices to attract buyers. When everyone does it at once, it can hurt profits and make it harder for companies to stay healthy.
A price war is when competing automakers aggressively cut prices to win market share. In China’s EV market, this can compress profit margins and force companies to expand internationally to offset losses at home.
McLaren
"They have an engineer that was a chief engineer from McLaren for a while. Right. Known for the reliability. This is not a reliability play."
McLaren is a well-known performance company, especially in racing. The point of the mention is that the engineer coming over has experience from a very high-level performance environment.
McLaren is a British performance brand best known for Formula 1 and high-end supercars. Mentioning a former McLaren chief engineer is meant to suggest that the incoming engineering leadership is experienced with top-tier performance development.
reliability play
"Right. Known for the reliability. This is not a reliability play."
A “reliability play” means trying to make cars more dependable so they break less. The hosts are saying this situation isn’t mainly about that.
A “reliability play” is a strategy where a company focuses on improving dependability—so fewer cars break and warranty/service costs drop. The hosts clarify this isn’t the motivation here, implying the engineering move is about something else (like competitiveness or performance).
VINs
"[1096.6s] We get a Great Wall. [1097.6s] Yeah, it's the Border Patrol at the thing looking at VINs [1100.6s] trying to figure out if their car was built in China."
A VIN is a vehicle’s unique ID number. Officials can look up that number to figure out where the car was made.
VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers) are unique 17-character codes assigned to each vehicle. They can be decoded to determine details like the manufacturer and where the car was built, which is why they’re referenced in the context of checking whether a car was built in China.
Tesla Model 3
"[1097.6s] Yeah, it's the Border Patrol at the thing looking at VINs [1100.6s] trying to figure out if their car was built in China. [1103.1s] Oh, I'm sorry. [1103.9s] Your Model 3 was built in China. [1105.4s] You can't come."
The Tesla Model 3 is an electric car made by Tesla. They’re talking about it because it can be built in China, and that matters to the policy being discussed.
The Tesla Model 3 is an electric sedan from Tesla. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a car that can be built in China, which then becomes part of the discussion about whether it’s allowed into the U.S.
MG Cyberster
"I haven't seen one of those since I drove the Cyberster. How did he react? I didn't actually say that, but I should have."
The Cyberster is an MG electric sports car. They’re saying they haven’t seen that kind of MG in a while since they drove the Cyberster.
The MG Cyberster is an MG-branded electric sports car concept/early production vehicle that’s been used to generate buzz about the brand’s EV direction. The speaker references having driven it, implying it’s a notable recent MG product they’ve experienced.
Shelby GT350
"...n open question of why they got rid of the Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500 nomenclature."
The Shelby GT350 is a high-performance version of a Ford Mustang made with Shelby branding. People talk about it because it’s known for being sporty and performance-oriented. The episode also mentions the naming history, which matters to fans.
The Shelby GT350 is a performance-focused variant associated with Shelby branding, known for its track-oriented character. The podcast mentions an “open question” about why the GT350/GT500 naming was changed, which highlights how important model names are to enthusiasts. It’s discussed because the GT350 is part of a well-known lineup with a strong fan base.
nomenclature
"There's been an open question of why they got rid of the Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500 nomenclature."
Nomenclature just means the naming system—what a company calls its models. They’re saying Ford changed the labels (like GT350/GT500) instead of keeping the old names.
Nomenclature is the system of names and labels a company uses for products—like model names and trims. In this context, it means Ford stopping the use of the Shelby GT350 and GT500 naming.
Shelby GT500
"... why they got rid of the Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500 nomenclature. We have learned this week that She..."
The Shelby GT500 is a very high-performance version of a Shelby Mustang. It’s designed to be stronger and more aggressive than the lower-performance versions. The episode mentions the naming history because fans care about how these trims are labeled.
The Shelby GT500 is a top-tier, high-performance Shelby Mustang variant known for strong power and a more aggressive performance focus. The podcast’s mention of changing “GT350 and GT500 nomenclature” points to how the lineup’s naming and positioning evolved over time. It’s discussed because the GT500 is one of the most recognizable performance trims in the Shelby Mustang lineup.
Ford
"and that was enough for Ford to decide we're done with that. We're keeping our $800 and Shelby name, the Shelby name is meaningless to us."
Ford is the car company involved in this decision. They’re choosing to stop paying for the Shelby name/branding arrangement and cut costs instead.
Ford is the automaker making the business decision described in the segment. The hosts say Ford would no longer pay the licensing/cut tied to the Shelby-branded model names and instead keep the money while dropping the heritage naming.
Shelby brand
"[1241.6s] I mean, the Shelby brand has been so inextricably linked [1245.8s] to the Mustang since its inception in essence."
“Shelby” is the name tied to performance cars, especially Mustangs. They’re saying Shelby has long been closely connected to the Mustang.
The “Shelby brand” refers to the Shelby performance identity associated with high-performance Mustangs. In this segment, they’re explaining how Shelby has historically been tied to the Mustang (and also mentions Dodge) since the brand’s early days.
Dodge
"[1248.6s] Well, and to Dodge. [1249.8s] Well, he did work for Christ for a time."
Dodge is a car brand. They’re mentioning it because Shelby has worked with more than just Ford Mustangs.
Dodge is mentioned as another brand Shelby has been associated with historically. The hosts are making a quick point about Shelby’s broader relationship beyond just Ford.
Ford Shelbys
"I agree with that. There's all these Ford Shelby's, there's all these Chrysler Shelby's."
“Ford” here is being mentioned because some high-performance Shelby versions are based on Ford models. Shelby is known for making special performance cars. The conversation is about how those cars are identified by name.
In the podcast context, “Ford” is being referenced through the idea of “Ford Shelby’s,” meaning Ford-based vehicles that were modified or branded with Shelby. This comes up because Shelby names are often associated with performance packages and special editions. The discussion is about how those naming and branding choices show up across different manufacturers.
Shelby badge
"When I see the Shelby badge as a Midwestern, I know what that means. Probably worth the 800 bucks."
The “Shelby badge” refers to the Shelby branding used on certain performance cars. The badge carries marketing and heritage value, and the hosts connect it to brand following and pricing.
Shelby Cobra
"...e. I wonder if it also prevented them from using Cobra because they did Shelby,"
The Shelby Cobra is a classic sports car associated with performance and racing. “Shelby” refers to the company/person behind the car’s famous version, and “Cobra” is the model name. People talk about it because it’s one of the most iconic old-school sports cars.
The Shelby Cobra is a legendary American sports car known for its raw performance and racing heritage. The podcast mentions “Cobra” and “Shelby” together, which points to how the name and branding became part of the car’s identity. It’s discussed because it’s historically important and instantly recognizable to enthusiasts.
Dodge Daytona Shelby
"[1338.4s] 2000. [1338.9s] Dodge Daytona Shelby. [1340.5s] Oh, yeah. [1340.9s] I'm not talking about the real Shelby Daytona."
This is a Dodge Daytona that’s associated with Shelby branding. The hosts are clarifying which Daytona they mean, because there’s a more famous Shelby Daytona people often think of first.
The Dodge Daytona Shelby refers to a Shelby-branded version of the Dodge Daytona (a late-1990s/early-2000s performance coupe). In this segment, the hosts are talking about a specific model year and comparing it to the more famous “real” Shelby Daytona.
Autobsture Garage
"[1356.0s] I don't think it even. [1356.9s] Sold by Autobsture Garage. [1359.2s] 174 horsepower. [1360.0s] 174 horsepower."
They mention “Autobsture Garage” as the place that sold the car they’re talking about. That helps explain where the car came from and what kind of listing it was.
Autobsture Garage is mentioned as the seller of the Shelby Z being discussed. In car-enthusiast terms, this kind of detail matters because it can indicate whether a car is a dealer listing, a specialty reseller, or part of a particular sourcing story.
Dodge Dart
"Speaking of the Dodge Dart. There is a report that was exclusive to Reuters this week."
The Dodge Dart is a type of Dodge car. Here, they’re talking about it like a model they’d like to see come back or get reviewed, connected to what Dodge’s parent company might do next.
The Dodge Dart is a compact car line from Dodge. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a specific model the hosts want to see again or review, tying into the broader discussion about which brands and models may get attention under new corporate priorities.
platform sharing
"Those brands will have some like platform sharing and like. That's not even really what they said."
Platform sharing means different car models are built on the same basic “skeleton.” That helps the company spend less money and build cars faster, even if the final cars still look and drive a bit differently.
Platform sharing is when multiple car brands use the same underlying vehicle “platform” (major structural components and engineering base) to reduce development cost. Even if the cars look different, they can share things like chassis hardpoints and powertrain mounting points.
Stalantis
"God, I just click on Stalantis and hit news to pull this story up... Stalantis HQ investigated by Michigan after employee illnesses."
Stellantis is a big car company that owns multiple brands. Here, the hosts are talking about a news story involving employee health complaints at the company’s headquarters.
Stellantis is the multinational automaker formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. In this segment, the hosts discuss reports about employee health complaints at Stellantis headquarters in Michigan.
badge engineering
"They will obviously still do some like badge engineering platform sharing with other brands..."
Badge engineering is when the same basic car is sold under different brand names. The differences are usually small, like badges and styling, rather than a totally new design.
Badge engineering is when a company sells closely related vehicles under different brand names, often with only minor styling or trim changes. The hosts mention it in the context of Stellantis sharing platforms and continuing to sell multiple brands.
Alfa Romeo
"It's Jeep, Alfa Romeo... No."
Alfa Romeo is an Italian car brand. The hosts mention it here as part of the set of brands connected to Stellantis.
Alfa Romeo is an Italian car brand owned by Stellantis. The hosts bring it up while listing brands associated with Stellantis’s future plans.
Jeep
"Can you name the four brands... It's Jeep, Alfa Romeo."
Jeep is a car brand known for rugged, off-road vehicles. In this segment, it’s named as one of the brands tied to Stellantis.
Jeep is an off-road-focused brand owned by Stellantis. The hosts mention it as one of the brands in Stellantis’s lineup that “survived” in their discussion.
Ram
"I guess Ram. I don't remember the other two. That's really unfortunate. What are they? There's four. You can only remember two. Well, those are the only ones. What are they? Jeep, Ram, Peugeot and Fiat."
Ram is a car brand that mainly makes pickup trucks. In this chat, it’s mentioned as one of several brands in the same discussion.
Ram is a brand within Stellantis, best known for pickup trucks. The hosts mention it as one of the brands in a group being discussed, implying it’s part of the same corporate/portfolio conversation.
Chrysler
"The reason I don't think this is a big news story, they already are only focusing on the primary brand. Jeep has gotten the brand like Chrysler that has a minor facelift. Did you see that Chrysler is reportedly legitimately considering making an off-road Pacifica?"
Chrysler is a car brand. They’re talking about Chrysler’s lineup and a rumor that it might build an off-road version of a minivan.
Chrysler is an American automaker brand. The hosts compare Jeep’s brand situation to Chrysler’s, and then discuss a rumor about Chrysler considering an off-road version of a minivan.
Chrysler Pacifica
"Did you see that Chrysler is reportedly legitimately considering making an off-road Pacifica? I did and I decided not to include it. You know what makes me sad about that? I wouldn't buy it. Even though last week I said I want an off-road minivan, I don't want an off-road Pacifica. I want an off-road Sienna. I don't trust the Pacifica. Listen, I think this is great and I'm thrilled that you're doing this, Chrysler. I don't trust your vehicles to go off-road."
The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan. An “off-road Pacifica” would be a version meant to handle dirt roads and rough terrain, but the speaker doesn’t trust Chrysler to do it well.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan, and “off-road Pacifica” refers to a hypothetical or rumored off-road-oriented version. The hosts’ main point is skepticism about Chrysler’s ability to make it truly capable off pavement.
off-road Sienna
"Even though last week I said I want an off-road minivan, I don't want an off-road Pacifica. I want an off-road Sienna. Give me a lifted Sienna."
The Toyota Sienna is a family minivan. Here, they’re saying they want a version that’s lifted and better suited for dirt roads—basically an “off-road” Sienna.
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan, and “off-road Sienna” means a lifted, more rugged version intended for rougher roads. The speaker contrasts it with the rumored off-road Chrysler Pacifica, saying they’d rather have a Sienna with off-road capability.
lifted Sienna
"I want an off-road Sienna. Give me a lifted Sienna."
A “lifted” vehicle has increased ride height, usually via suspension changes, to provide more ground clearance. That helps with obstacles like ruts, rocks, and uneven dirt roads, which is why the hosts connect “lifted” to their idea of an off-road minivan.
new platforms
"[1533.6s] Jeep, Ram, Peugeot and Fiat are going to receive the largest investments in new platforms, new engine, new powertrains, whatever. [1539.4s] And the other brands will also share those, will benefit from that technology development, [1543.4s] but will have kind of smaller budgets."
A “platform” is the car’s main design foundation. If a company builds a new platform, it can use that same base for several different models and make future cars cheaper and easier to develop.
A “platform” is the shared engineering base a car company uses to build multiple models—things like the chassis layout, mounting points, and major structural design. Investing in new platforms usually means more flexibility for different body styles and powertrains, and it can reduce development costs across brands.
powertrains
"[1533.6s] Jeep, Ram, Peugeot and Fiat are going to receive the largest investments in new platforms, new engine, new powertrains, whatever. [1539.4s] And the other brands will also share those, will benefit from that technology development, [1543.4s] but will have kind of smaller budgets."
A powertrain is what makes the car move. It includes the engine/motor and the parts that send power to the wheels.
A powertrain is the complete set of components that generate and deliver motion—typically the engine (or motors), transmission, and related drivetrain parts. When the hosts say “new powertrains,” they’re referring to updated ways of moving the vehicle, which can include hybrid or electric setups depending on the strategy.
Dodge Ram
"So don't really get... Ram will certainly be truck chassis development, et c..."
The Dodge Ram is a large pickup truck made for hauling and everyday truck use. It’s the “Ram” brand within Dodge’s truck lineup. People mention it because it’s a well-known, capable truck model.
The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck line focused on truck chassis development and capability. In the podcast context, it’s being used to explain how “Ram” fits into the broader truck world and what the name implies. It’s discussed because Ram trucks are a major part of the modern pickup market.
Peugeot
"I imagine Peugeot will be slightly... Fiat will probably be their low-cost brand because they're the largest market in the South American markets. Peugeot will be the European brand."
Peugeot is a car company from France. The hosts are saying it’s important for Europe/France, so it’s unlikely to be dropped.
Peugeot is a French automaker best known for passenger cars sold across Europe and beyond. In this segment, it’s discussed as the “European” brand tied to France’s market and politics.
Fiat
"Fiat will probably be their low-cost brand because they're the largest market in the South American markets. Peugeot will be the European brand... I imagine Fiat will have to be their cheap tertiary market development for cheaper cars."
Fiat is an Italian car brand. In this discussion, it’s being treated as the cheaper option compared with the more premium brands.
Fiat is an Italian automaker that’s often positioned as a lower-cost brand in many markets. Here, it’s described as the company’s “low-cost” option for South America and as a cheaper “tertiary” development focus.
Dodge Avenger
"...are not even related. For example, not the Dodge Avenger, the Jeep Avenger. You go to Italy and there's J..."
The Dodge Avenger is a car model name. The podcast is pointing out that there’s also a “Jeep Avenger,” and the names can sound similar even though they’re different cars. It’s mentioned to avoid confusion.
The Dodge Avenger is a passenger car that the podcast brings up mainly to clarify confusion with similarly named models. The context contrasts “Dodge Avenger” with “Jeep Avenger,” emphasizing that names can overlap even when the cars are different. It’s discussed as an example of how model naming can cause mix-ups.
Jeep Avenger
"For example, not the Dodge Avenger, the Jeep Avenger. You go to Italy and there's Jeeps and I'm looking at them."
The Jeep Avenger is a small SUV that Jeep sells in Europe. The point here is that Jeep’s lineup overseas can be different from what you might think of as “Jeep” elsewhere.
The Jeep Avenger is a compact SUV sold in Europe, positioned as a smaller, more city-friendly Jeep. The hosts use it as an example of how the Jeep brand’s products overseas don’t necessarily match what people expect from “Jeep” in other markets.
Maserati Alpha
"No performance component is somewhat interesting, though. There's no Maserati Alpha in that."
This sounds like a Maserati model name, but the exact car being referenced isn’t clear from the snippet. If you can share more of the surrounding audio, it may be possible to pin down the exact model.
“Maserati Alpha” appears to be a reference to a Maserati model or concept name, but it’s not clearly identified in the transcript. Without more context, it’s unclear whether this is an actual announced vehicle name or a mishearing.
Charger
"With no Dodge, you're not focusing on Charger Challenger. ... There's no Charger sold with a V8."
The Dodge Charger is a popular American muscle car. The discussion here is about whether it’s still sold with a V8 engine, which is a big part of what people expect from Chargers.
The Dodge Charger is a performance-focused American sedan/coupe that’s best known for its V8 muscle-car heritage. In this segment, the hosts are talking about whether the Charger is being offered with V8 engines and how that affects brand strategy.
Challenger
"With no Dodge, you're not focusing on Charger Challenger. ... when Dodge was still selling the Charger and the Challenger, those numbers wouldn't be the case."
The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car from Dodge. The hosts are using it as an example of what happens to the lineup when Dodge isn’t selling those cars anymore.
The Dodge Challenger is another classic American muscle car, closely related to the Charger in lineup and audience. Here, it’s mentioned alongside the Charger to discuss how Dodge’s presence (or absence) changes what powertrains and models are prioritized.
V8s
"We want our V8s. ... There's no Charger sold with a V8."
A “V8” is an engine with eight cylinders. In this conversation, they’re talking about which vehicles are still sold with that kind of engine.
“V8” refers to an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. It’s often associated with traditional muscle-car performance and sound, and the hosts are discussing which brands/models are still being offered with V8 power.
electric
"It's electric. We want our V8s."
“Electric” means the car uses an electric motor instead of (or in addition to) a gas engine. They’re debating whether the lineup is moving away from V8s toward electric options.
“Electric” here refers to electric vehicles (EVs) or electric powertrains. The hosts are contrasting EV direction with the desire for V8 engines, implying a shift in what the lineup is prioritizing.
Ram Pro Master
"All right. This is a Ram Pro Master. It is advertised as having a nine-speed transmi..."
The Ram ProMaster is a van made for work, like carrying cargo or tools. The podcast mentions it has a nine-speed transmission, which is how the car changes gears. It’s brought up because it’s a practical vehicle for business use.
The Ram ProMaster (often spelled ProMaster) is a commercial van built for cargo and business use. The podcast notes it’s advertised as having a nine-speed transmission, which matters because transmission choice affects drivability and efficiency. It’s discussed because it’s a practical alternative to passenger vehicles when you need van capacity.
nine-speed transmission
"This is a Ram Pro Master. It is advertised as having a nine-speed transmission. And indeed, the transmission has nine speeds."
A nine-speed transmission is an automatic gearbox with nine different gear settings. It helps the vehicle choose the right “gear” for the speed and driving conditions.
A nine-speed transmission is an automatic gearbox with nine forward gear ratios. More gears can help the engine stay closer to its most efficient RPM range and can improve drivability and fuel economy.
class action lawsuit
"But there's a class action lawsuit right now that it is intentionally programmed to never go into gears eight or nine. This is what the lawsuit alleges."
A class action lawsuit is when many affected customers team up in one legal case. In this story, the claim is that the van’s computer is set up so it won’t use the top gears, even though it’s supposed to.
A class action lawsuit is a legal case where multiple people with similar claims join together as a group. Here, the allegation is that the transmission control software prevents the vehicle from using the highest gears (8th and 9th), even though it’s designed to have them.
Fuel economy
"[1759.8s] Are they just saying it's cute? [1760.4s] Fuel economy? [1761.2s] Right."
Fuel economy means how far the car can go on a given amount of gas. Higher fuel economy usually means you spend less money on fuel and emit less pollution.
Fuel economy is how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, usually expressed as miles per gallon (MPG) or liters per 100 km. In automotive news, it often comes up when discussing regulations, incentives, or why certain cars are designed to sip fuel.
TPA
"[1761.5s] That's the only thing I can think of. [1762.9s] But the TPA... [1763.9s] The TPA, so I wouldn't have gone into eighth or ninth for testing either."
TPA is an acronym the hosts mention while talking about testing, but they don’t explain it here. It likely refers to a specific testing or approval step, and you’d need the full episode context to know exactly what it means.
TPA is mentioned as part of a testing context, but the transcript doesn’t define what it stands for. In car media, similar acronyms often relate to a testing program, approval process, or specific test procedure, so listeners may need clarification from the host or show notes.
Mothers
"[1771.3s] Folks, this is a massive deal. [1774.9s] We are partnering with Mothers. [1777.4s] Yeah. [1777.9s] Mothers makes the finest detailing products in the world on the planet."
Mothers is a company that makes car cleaning and detailing products. The hosts are saying they’re partnering with them and will use their products as part of the show.
Mothers is a brand known for car detailing products like cleaners, polishes, and protectants. The hosts are partnering with Mothers and integrating its products into the podcast set, which is why it’s discussed in this segment.
detail spray
"At one point I tried to make my own detail spray. How did that go? Let me tell you something."
A detail spray is a quick cleaner/shine product you spray on the car and wipe off. People use it to keep the paint looking good without doing a full wash.
A “detail spray” is a quick-application car-care product used to clean, lubricate, or add shine to paint and trim. It’s typically sprayed on and then wiped off, often as part of routine detailing between full washes.
concoctions
"He sits in the lab all day long and he makes the things. The concoctions. Yeah."
“Concoctions” is used to describe custom-mixed chemical blends—essentially the formulated recipes for detailing products. It’s not a standard automotive term, but it signals that they’re making experimental mixtures in a lab.
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